The Bulldog

Bar · Brighton Kemptown

On St James’s Street since 1979: the Bulldog is considered Brighton’s oldest gay pub and draws people in with karaoke, midnight cabaret and long nights.

• ★ 4.1 on Google (578)
• since 1979
• Cabaret on Fridays
• Fri/Sat until 3 am

Address

31 St James’s Street
Brighton BN2 1RF

Opening hours

Mon–Thu 1 pm–midnight
Fri/Sat 12 pm–3 am
Sun 12 pm–midnight

Crowd

mostly men, mixed ages 25–60, many regulars from Kemptown

Flirt factor

medium

Programme

Cabaret every Friday at midnight
plus regular fetish events, dates on the website

Getting there

approx. 15 minutes’ walk from Brighton station, near Old Steine

What makes the Bulldog special

The Bulldog opened in 1979 and calls itself Brighton’s longest-running LGBTQ venue. In November 2022 the then owners closed it, and since 2023 the pub has been open again under new management.

Karaoke is by far the most common topic in the Google reviews, along with friendly bar staff and good entertainment. There is cabaret at midnight on Fridays, and fetish events take place regularly.

Atmosphere and crowd

The crowd is mostly male and mixed in age, with many regulars from Kemptown. At weekends it is open until 3 am, when it gets full and loud.

Contact

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: official Bulldog website, LGBT History UK, Scene Magazine, Google reviews (4.1 stars, 578 reviews). Opening hours, prices and programme may change, please check before visiting.